'School system has become irrelevant and Education uncomfortably outdated'

CEO, IDAN, Alemtemshih Jamir along with some teachers at the Teachers’ Day celebration organized by Diphupar Naga Students’ Union on September 5. (Morung Photo) 
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 5

Chief Executive Officer, Investment Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Alemtemshi Jamir, said in the present ‘age of acceleration’ where technology seems to have invaded all spheres of human activities, teachers have a great role to play –to teach and pass on human values. 

“Mankind has grown to become what we are today because of our ability to ‘teach or pass on’ our knowledge to the next generation who retain it and add to it. It is the crux of our society and that is the crucial role that teachers play in society,” the former State chief secretary said.

Addressing the common Teachers’ Day celebration of 18 schools and one college falling under Diphupar village jurisdiction, organized by the Diphupar Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), here at the village local ground, Jamir debunked notions that in the present world, the school system has become irrelevant and “Education uncomfortably outdated.” 

He said in the present digital age, there are many who think that the school system has become outdated as all the information and data is at one’s finger tip through technology (search engines, mobile calculators and other gadgets).

But whatever the technological advancement, Jamir said technology cannot teach human values, and this is where the teacher steps in.

“We need schools and teachers to build up human values: values of honesty, integrity, punctuality, respect. Values to live together, to learn together and to work together and values to care for others, to love others so that society can continue to exist”, he said.

Admitting that technology is ever accelerating, the former chief secretary underscored the need to restructure the schools and colleges and the teaching method so as to adapt with the fast changing world. 

“Teachers’ Day is also a day to reflect on the role of teachers in shaping society, a day to reflect on the future society and to make changes to adapt to the future”, he said.

The CEO, IDAN, impressed on the need to keep abreast with the times and to be aware of pressing global issues like environmental (global warming and climate change), economic (Brexit, trade war and multinational corporations transcending national borders) and political (where mankind is not talking of democracy and human rights but who or which nation should be the first and best).

Further, Jamir said Nagaland too has its own share of problems including social (tribalism), economic (no investment) and political (both overground and underground).

“Let us pray for our teachers so that they can build up a strong Nagaland ready for the future”, he concluded.
Principal, GHSS Diphupar, T Kavili Yepthomi and Suhadeep Chatterjee of Eklavya Model Residential School spoke on behalf of the teachers. Tunato Sumi and Nilokali spoke on behalf of the students. The DNSU also felicitated all the teachers on the occasion.  Earlier, DNSU president delivered the welcome address.